Several awards won for play’

In March, Beloit Memorial High School’s theater students performed the musical, “Hairspray.” During one performance, the play was reviewed by five judges from The Tommy Awards.

The Overture’s Tommy Awards Program is an education initiative that honors and celebrates excellence in musical theater productions among area high schools in Southwest Wisconsin. This year, 30 schools participated. For those who thought “Hairspray” was one of the best plays ever performed at Beloit Memorial — you were right!

Several Tommy Awards went to our students for their excellent performances. Beloit Memorial High School has won the following 2011 Tommy Awards: Outstanding Ensemble; Outstanding Lead - Cole McMillan and Jackie Thompson; Outstanding Supporting - Alex Vance; Outstanding Stage Management - Stephanie Gunning; Honorable Mention Supporting - Rachel Lisensky and Jake Ward; and the Community Engagement Award — for working directly with two domestic violence shelters and Project Ruby Violet on the theme of self-esteem.

Many of the students in this play had never before had a role in a musical. For others, this was their first lead role. Each student, regardless of his or her role in the production, worked hard and was committed to making this play something to be proud of.

The Beloit Memorial High School Theater Department is a source of community pride. Fortunately, the School District of Beloit values the arts as an integral part of education and we have excellent teachers to foster these programs. Congratulations, and thank you, to our students and to their teacher, Greg Wallendal.

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